The sports car landscape may soon witness a significant shift as the next iteration of the iconic Mazda MX-5 roadster is reportedly set to share its lightweight, rear-wheel drive platform with the third-generation Toyota GR86. This intriguing development was highlighted in a recent report by Best Car magazine, as discovered via Forbes, suggesting that Toyota will part ways with Subaru as its development partner for the 86/GR86 line in favor of Mazda.
According to the Japanese magazine, a team of senior Mazda engineers has already been dispatched to Toyota to collaborate on the project, which will utilize the current MX-5 platform as its foundation. This strategic move is expected to bring about more differentiation between the new MX-5 and GR86 models, despite both being manufactured by Mazda at its Hiroshima facility.
New Era of Collaboration
The announcement comes as Toyota seeks to innovate its sports car lineup by leveraging Mazda’s expertise in lightweight, agile vehicles. The existing partnership between Toyota and Subaru has resulted in the GR86 and BRZ being nearly identical, save for minor styling and handling tweaks. However, the collaboration with Mazda promises a more distinct identity for each vehicle.
Best Car magazine reports that the MX-5 will maintain its two-seater configuration, while the platform will be slightly extended to accommodate the GR86’s 2+2 coupe layout. Both vehicles will feature their own engines: the MX-5 is expected to use a Mazda 2.0-litre four-cylinder, potentially with hybridization, while the GR86 will likely employ a Toyota 2.0-litre hybrid setup.
Historical Context and Industry Implications
This development follows a historical precedent, as the current ‘ND’ model of the MX-5 was partially developed with Fiat, resulting in the Fiat 124 Spider. Produced by Mazda from 2016 to 2019, the 124 Spider featured unique design elements and Fiat’s 1.4-litre turbocharged engine.
Should the Best Car report prove accurate, it raises questions about Subaru’s future with the BRZ. The automaker may choose to continue developing the existing model, seek a new partner, or potentially exit the segment altogether.
“Toyota holds minority stakes in both Mazda and Subaru, and has technology, development, and platform-sharing agreements with both. Notable shared models include the Toyota bZ4X/Subaru Solterra and the Toyota Yaris, sold in Europe as the Mazda 2 Hybrid.”
Expert Insights and Future Prospects
Industry experts view this potential partnership as a strategic move for Toyota to diversify its sports car offerings and capitalize on Mazda’s renowned engineering prowess. Ryuichi Umeshita, Mazda’s chief technical officer, previously indicated that the next-generation MX-5 might feature a larger 2.5-litre engine, adding another layer of intrigue to the collaboration.
Meanwhile, the automotive industry is keenly observing how this partnership will influence market dynamics and consumer preferences. The integration of hybrid technology into these models aligns with broader trends towards sustainability and efficiency in vehicle design.
As the automotive world awaits further confirmation and details, the collaboration between Toyota and Mazda could herald a new era for sports car enthusiasts, offering a blend of performance, innovation, and distinct brand identities.
The move represents a significant shift in Toyota’s strategy, leveraging its investments and partnerships to foster innovation and maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market. As the project progresses, stakeholders and consumers alike will be eager to see the final outcome of this promising alliance.
